City turnout low for Election Day 2011

Staff Report

Voters are going to the polls in Pennsylvania and New Jersey today to decide a range of local races on a decidedly low key election day.

Turnout is low in the city on a clear, sunny day.

At the Amos Rec Center at 16th and Berks Streets in North Philadephia, only five residents had cast ballots by lunchtime.

In Philadelphia, voters will choose a mayor and members of the City Council.

In the Pennsylvania and New Jersey suburbs, they'll pick from crowded ballots of those seeking office in county and local races - as well as state and local referenda.

Polls opened first in New Jersey, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Garden State voters will choose all state Senate and Assembly representatives, as well as freeholders in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.

And they'll also be asked if they want sports betting at Atlantic City's casinos and four racetracks.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. in Pennsylvania and will remain open through 8 p.m.

In Philadelphia, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, elected in 2007, seeks a second term. He is challenged by GOP candidate Karen Brown, a retired teacher, and Independent candidate Wali Rahman, a community organizer.

Voters in Philadelphia also will choose council representatives in 10 districts, as well as from five nominated Democrats and five nominated Republics for at-large council seats. One independent is on the ballot. The top seven vote getters in the at-large race will take office in January.

And in suburban Pennsylvania races, Democrats are threatening takeover of Montgomery County for the first time in 140 years.